Valentine's Day delight

Saturday 11th February was bitterly cold, but somehow Ann and Jeff Brown gathered together a team of volunteers to brave the elements and spread some 'lurve' in Kingston's Eden Walk Shopping Centre! The couple and their team were handing out heart-shaped balloons in return for a voluntary donation to Momentum. This is Jeff's personal view of the day, plus some photos of the team:

February 14^th - St Valentine’s Day! The day of love! It’s cards, flowers, meals (occasional row because you forgot, which you only will ever do once!) and for the last seven years, on the weekend nearest that actual date, shoppers and children in Kingston can be seen carrying small heart shaped balloons.

The balloons are part of an annual fund raising effort by a group of supporters for Momentum, the charity based in Kingston which supports children with cancer and life-limiting conditions. It’s a great opportunity for Ann Brown and her husband (me) as it’s our chance to put a little back into the charity that supported our daughter during the last 18 months of her life. She spent a lot of time in Kingston Hospital where Momentum provided the little luxuries that don’t fall into the remit of the NHS. Treats, things to do to keep her occupied during long sessions after chemotherapy were just a few of the ways Momentum helped. Then, when she was well enough, VIP trips to London to see Mamma Mia! with her school friends, outings and the like, all helping her take her mind of her problems.

Kiera passed away in 2007, losing her fight with cancer, she’d just turned 11. But Momentum are still there helping Ann and I. We are allowed to use their log cabin near Lymingston on the South Coast. We get away from everything and it gives us time together.

The Valentine balloons are just a small part of Momentum's considerable fundraising. Our friends all gave up their time on Saturday 11th to blow up the balloons and persuade shoppers to part with a few coins for such a great local charity.

Ann and I would like to thank everyone who helped - the mums and dads, and Kiera’s friends, now teenagers who shake the buckets. But most of all, thank you to all the shoppers in Eden Walk who contribute each year and help keep Momentum going.

We’ll be there next year. Pop by, say “Hello” and pick up a balloon!

Photography